WWII Veteran to Bicycle 360 Miles in Opposition to War

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–April 25, 2012. World War II Marine combat veteran and Veteran For Peace member Samuel Winstead will be riding his bicycle on a 360-mile “Ride for Peace” that will depart Raleigh, NC, on Sunday, April 29, 2012, and conclude with a rally in front of the White House on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

“The purpose of the trip is to ask the President and the Congress to stop our current wars,” Winstead said. “Our war machine is running us into the ground. The military budget is breaking records. Our government, at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, is making noises about getting into a war with Iran. Meanwhile we’re building bases and installing weapons around the world in a blatant attempt to surround China and Russia. What is this madness? This is costing us our standard of living, not to mention our souls. This has nothing to do with the oath we take to protect the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The vast majority of Americans want these wars ended, and that is the message I intend to take to Washington without burning a drop of the oil that seems to be found in every region where our government sends our young servicemen and women, including my grandson.”

Speakers at the rally will include Jean Athey, Michael McPhearson, Matt Southworth, and David Swanson.

The photo shows Sam Winstead receiving the Torch Bearer Award in recognition of his ride for peace. The award was presented by the World Harmony Runners ( http://www.worldharmonyrun.org ) in Carrboro, N.C., on April 23, 2012,

More information on the bike ride is available on the website of Veterans For Peace, Chapter 157, North Carolina’s Triangle Area: http://ncveteransforpeace.org

Veterans For Peace was founded in 1985 and has approximately 5,000 members in 150 chapters located in every U.S. state and several countries. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization recognized as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by the United Nations, and is the only national veterans’ organization calling for the abolishment of war.